When the sports bag smells bad, the unpleasant odors can quickly spread throughout the house. Discover here the methods and home remedies that can help you get rid of the lingering smell from your sports bag.

The odor that can come from a sweaty sports bag is anything but pleasant. Many sports enthusiasts are familiar with the problem. Fortunately, there are effective methods to get rid of this unpleasant smell and give the sports bag a fresh scent. Here’s how.

The sports bag smells bad: Regularly ventilate

To prevent the sports bag from smelling bad, the simplest method is to regularly ventilate it. Open the bag after training or competition and let it dry in a well-ventilated place, such as on the balcony or on the windowsill. This prevents bacteria from multiplying and the odor from settling.

Avoid the sports bag from smelling bad: Empty the bag

Do not leave wet or sweaty clothes in the bag for a long time. Otherwise, it is easy for the sports bag to smell bad. Empty the bag after each workout so that air can circulate and moisture has no chance to settle.

To learn how to wash sweaty sports clothing so that it no longer smells bad, check out this article: How to wash sports clothes correctly: No more bad smells.

Many sports bags also have removable inserts or compartments. Check if they are washable. If so, wash them regularly to eliminate odors.

Homemade scented pillows against unpleasant odors

If the sports bag smells bad, you can also put special scented pillows or sachets into the bag to refresh it. You can make these scented pillows yourself using, for example, cotton or linen. You can also use old pieces of fabric. You can fill the scented pillow with a variety of fragrant dried herbs. Some popular choices include:

Sports bag smells bad: Essential oils, vinegar, and baking soda

Essential oils are also an effective home remedy when the sports bag smells bad. Drop a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball or tissue and place it in the sports bag. The pleasant scents mask unpleasant odors and create a fresh atmosphere.

A solution of water and baking soda or a solution of water and vinegar can also neutralize odors:

  • Use two tablespoons of baking soda per liter of water.
  • For vinegar water, mix one part vinegar with two parts water.
  • Then spray the inside of your sports bag with the vinegar or baking soda solution, or rub the affected areas. Then let the bag dry completely.

Freezer against the smelly sports bag

Especially if the sports bag smells bad and is made of non-washable materials, the freezer method is an option. Place the bag in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for a few hours. The cold helps neutralize the odor.

The plastic bag is necessary to prevent damage to the material of the sports bag. For ecological reasons, we recommend not using a new plastic bag, but reusing an already used bag. Plus, you can continue to use the plastic bag after taking it out of the freezer.